Buhari restricts ministers foreign trips delegation size

According to reports, President Muhammadu Buhari has restricted the number of officials who can accompany ministers on foreign trips.

In a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), it was stated that the President has directed that only essential officials should accompany ministers on foreign trips.

The circular, which was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also directed that the number of officials accompanying ministers on foreign trips should be reduced to a minimum.

The circular reads in part:

"In line with the President's directive to reduce the number of officials accompanying ministers on foreign trips, it is hereby directed that only essential officials should accompany ministers on such trips.

"Ministers are to ensure that only those officials who are absolutely necessary for the success of the trip are included in the delegation.

"The number of officials accompanying ministers on foreign trips should be reduced to a minimum to ensure that the trip is not unduly burdened with unnecessary personnel.

"Ministers are to ensure that they comply with this directive and submit their delegation lists to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for clearance before embarking on any foreign trip."

This move is seen as a cost-cutting measure and an effort to reduce the number of officials who accompany ministers on foreign trips, which has been a subject of controversy in the past.